Review Fix chats with director Deborah Harse, who lets us know all about the creative process behind the film and what to expect from it at this year’s Queens World Film Festival.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for your film?
Deborah Harse: Having traveled extensively, I have long felt that world is much kinder and caring than the news would have us believe. With this film, as well as with my previous projects, I wanted to tell a success story about people who have a positive impact in society.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself while making?
Harse: Doing documentary projects as a one-person crew has always taught me that we all have energy reserves that are much greater than we realize. When there is no one else to whom you can delegate the work you have no choice but to dig deeper and push through… every day.
Review Fix: What was the most challenging part of making it?
Harse: My film takes place in Kolkata (Calcutta) India where the language is Bengali. The most challenging part was coordinating the schedules of volunteer interpreters and interview subjects. There is always another layer of a challenge when telling a story in a language that’s not your own.
Review Fix: How do you want it to be remembered?
Harse: Ultimately, we all do this with the hope of moving people. If the film is to be found memorable I think it would be for the strength of the people portrayed in it and how they might inspire strength in others.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of the festival?
Harse: I was born and raised in Queens so that makes for a gratifying dimension in itself. It feels likes coming home, literally. This is my second time screening at Queens World Film Festival and I have the highest regard for Katha and Don Cato and their passion for celebrating diversity.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Harse: I don’t yet know what I will do next. Perhaps an idea for a new project will present itself tomorrow… or maybe even later today!
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